Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "おわる", "終える", "仕上がり", "〜終わる"
All represent the core concept "finish", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
おわる
おわる (owaru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
終える
おえる (oeru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
仕上がり
しあがり (shiagari)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
〜終わる
〜おわる (owaru)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "finish" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "おわる", "終える", "仕上がり", "〜終わる" based on context.
- おわる (おわる (owaru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to finish, to end (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Something finishes by itself. The transitive form is 「終える.
- 終える (おえる (oeru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to finish, to complete (transitive)" and is used when A transitive verb, meaning 'to finish something'. Similar to the intransitive 終わる.
- 仕上がり (しあがり (shiagari) - Level: N3): Maps to "finish, completion, result (of work)" and is used when Refers to the final state or quality of something after it has been completed. Often used for products, clothes, or tasks..
- 〜終わる (〜おわる (owaru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to finish doing; to end" and is used when Indicates the completion or end of an action or event. It is attached to the masu-stem.
Context for "おわる"
会議は5時に終わります。
The meeting ends at 5 o'clock.
Context for "終える"
宿題を終えてから遊びに行きます。
I will go play after finishing my homework.
Context for "仕上がり"
このセーターの仕上がりはとてもきれいです。
The finish of this sweater is very beautiful.
Context for "〜終わる"
仕事が終わり次第、帰ります。
I will go home as soon as I finish work.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議は5時に終わります。" (Meaning: "The meeting ends at 5 o'clock.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "おわる" is correct here because it represents "to finish, to end (intransitive)" in the context: "The meeting ends at 5 o'clock.".